Claire Mackenzie-MacFarlane

I am currently employed with Glasgow City Council as a Support for Learning Worker within a mainstream secondary school. I am based within Rosshall Academy and work part time, term time. Within my role I support 1st to 3rd year pupils within the classroom setting. We sometimes have individual young people to support but mostly support the class as a whole observing what young people may require assistance or taking guidance from the class teacher. It is a very rewarding and stimulating role as we have to maintain a level of education to help support the young people with their work participating in marking, practical activities, group work and one to one support. As staff within the classroom setting we have to be aware of young people's individual needs, medical requirements and read up and update the correct paperwork which helps the staff and teachers support the young person appropriately.

I was employed within a primary mainstream setting within the Cardonald area. Within the school setting I was based within a p4/3 class where my main responsibilities was to support the teacher within her classroom and the children's educational needs. Within our class setting we had a lot of very individual needs which could be challenging within a large class setting for the children and their peers. Within my routine of the day I supported the children within the class and outwith the classroom setting in their work tasks but also with play and a variety of activities which supports the child's needs. I supported a child with the transition from arriving at school to the class setting which can be very upsetting and challenging for this young person. I was able to use my previous experience in nurture and GIRFEC to make this as positive experience as I cold using distraction methods such as activities and skills I received from my training in autism awareness and CALMS. I also supported the children in their outdoor play during break and lunch ensuring their safety and adult support.

I was employed within a Secondary School establishment supporting children and young people within a classroom setting. As a small school community we worked as a team. My main responsibilities were to support the class teacher within the classroom setting to deliver their education. As a complex setting the structure of education could vary with the individual needs. We supported the young people with sensory play and exploration, physical activities such as dance, games, swimming and postural management. We had varied communication methods we use to support each young person's needs, with this I have been trained in PECS, makaton and non verbal communication. As a small school community we were privileged to support the children in different activities within the school community including lunchtime clubs, assemblies, fun days and large group outings and activities. We supported the young people with their personal care needs, preparation in life skills for the future.

I was employed within the sales and retention department within BT. My main responsibilities were customer based selling for the products BT promote in communications such as landline, internet and mobile. Supporting the customers with queries and complaints and dealing with them accordingly. Meeting targets and working confidently as an individuals and team in meeting team targets.

Starting in 2009 with the organisation I started as a Support Worker, later progressing to a Practitioner. After completing my Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 Health and Social Care in June 2012 I was promoted to Supervisor. Due to new job prospects, I made the decision to reduce my contract to a relief contract in November 2015 where I requested to be a Support Worker continuing my employment to support a young girl who required specific medical training to safely access the service. I officially resigned due to commitments within my main job.
Within my employment I developed personally and professionally. I was given many training opportunities which would help me gain a wide variety of skills supporting the young people with medical needs mainly as this was a huge aspect of our routine. As much as this was an important part of
my role te most important thing for myself and my team was supporting the young people to have fun, learn new skills, socialise with peers and within the community. With the young peoples needs one of our priorities was in communication, allowing our young people to have a voice in their individual ways such as eye pointing, British sign language, pictorial references and verbal. Our main focus was play, fun, emotional development and supporting each young person as an individual following GIRFEC. Other responsibilities as a member of the management team included dealing with daily budgets, collecting receipts and ensuring the budget was dealt with correctly. Health and safety was a huge part in my role ensuring all young peoples care plans were up to date including risk assessments and any protocols required by the young person. Meal preparation and general household chores were part of our daily routine to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

To be actively involved with the planning and implementation of the curriculum within the nursery setting, supporting the children to provide interesting activities relating to the Curriculum for Excellence and the topics which the children helped chose to learn about. Provide a safe and stimulated environment for the children offering choice and free play experiences. Supporting the children with their daily routine including personal hygiene, tooth brushing, food preparation, snack and lunch. To be confident in the understanding of the National Care Standards, Care inspectorate recommendations, Health and Safety, Fire Regulation and the Scottish Social Services Codes of Practice and Child Protection policies. Observe the children ensuring all aspects of their individual needs are being met. An active team member. Update and maintain care plans, progression records and wall displays requiring knowledge of Microsoft software's and computer skills.